Alumna Profile - Amy (Dunn '99) Johnson

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Service

Amy (Dunn '99) Johnson, the first female undersheriff of Kane County, has built an impressive record of accomplishments since leaving Rosary High School.

Professional Achievements
Recognized for her leadership and dedication, Amy was selected by Sheriff Ron Hain to become the first female undersheriff in Kane County. In her role as Undersheriff, she actively engages in public speaking and participates in numerous community events, all while maintaining a busy personal and professional life. She oversees much of the operations within the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, a responsibility that has honed her multitasking skills. Amy has expressed a deep passion for her work, particularly enjoying the forensic science and crime scene investigation (CSI) aspects. She also shares her expertise by teaching courses at Aurora University, St. Xavier University, and Northwestern University. Amy noted that she would have appreciated the forensic classes currently offered to Rosary students.

Educational Journey
After graduating from Rosary, Amy attended Illinois State University, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in English. She played soccer for a period but decided to concentrate on her studies and career aspirations. Amy earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State and went on to complete a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on policing from Kaplan University. She is currently defending her dissertation for a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Policy Administration from Walden University. In addition, she graduated from the Advanced Law Enforcement and Leadership program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.

Path to Law Enforcement
Interestingly, Amy did not initially plan to pursue a career in law enforcement; she intended to become a lawyer. However, as part of her graduation requirements at ISU, she completed a three-month internship with the Kane County Sheriff’s Department. Her very first call involved a midnight domestic violence situation with a weapon, a pivotal event that inspired her to commit to a career in law enforcement.

Roles and Responsibilities
Throughout her career, Amy has served in various capacities including patrol deputy, CSI, field training officer, detective, accident reconstruction specialist, juvenile officer, Major Crimes Task Force member, Chief of Staff, and ultimately Undersheriff.

Community Involvement
Amy is passionate about serving the community she grew up in, striving to make a difference and mentor others along the way. Outside of her professional duties, she volunteers at her children’s schools and serves on the boards of Casa of Kane County and The Boys and Girls Club of Batavia. She is also involved in speaking engagements at Mutual Ground.

Rosary High School Influence
Amy credits Rosary with equipping her with the tools for success. The school taught her accountability and leadership through group activities, which helped her develop confidence in public speaking. Rosary instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and helped her understand that actions have consequences.

School Activities and Memories
During her time at Rosary, Amy played soccer all four years, participated in basketball for three years, sang in chorus for four years, was involved in Sports Boosters, and was named to the Homecoming Court. She fondly remembers dollar dress-down days and decade-themed dress-up days, cherishing the culture of closeness fostered by the school. The small class sizes created a sense of belonging that Amy hopes her own children will experience.

Current Endeavors
Amy is currently running for the position of Kane County Sheriff. If elected, she would make history as the first female sheriff in the county. Amy brings not only her wealth of expertise but also her leadership style and strength to this candidacy.

Written by Teri (Brennan '77) Carlson